Are you planning to take a cruise but not sure what to wear on a cruise? Worry not; this ultimate guide will unlock cruise fashion to help you style the best on cruise adventure.
Going on a cruise is one of the most exhilarating experiences in life. When it comes to cruising in style and comfort to make the most out of adventure, packing the right attire for every single event becomes an essential task.
Although every cruise line suggests its dress codes in the FAQ section – many people still face challenges in identifying what clothes to wear on a cruise. So, whether you’re planning to lounge by the pool or want to attend a glamorous dinner at night on a cruise, this ultimate guide is going to unlock fashion tips for the cruise.
By following the list of must-have items and recommendations from the seasoned cruiser, you will get the best dressing tips to elevate your wardrobe for your next cruise adventure.
30-Seconds Summary
Every cruise line and ship has a suggested dress code for the cruise adventure. However, finding and packing the right outfits to wear on a cruise can be challenging. Depending on the destination you are boarding off, your wardrobe needs to be prepared for it.
Therefore, this guide provides answers to countless questions addressing cruise line dress codes. All of the information covered in this ultimate guide will help you feel ready for an incredible cruise trip.
What to Wear On a Cruise By Cruise Line?
As mentioned above, every cruise line comes with a different dress code to help the passengers wear what is appropriate on the ship. To help you determine the right outfits to wear on cruise, here is a list of the most popular cruise lines and their dress codes:
1: Carnival Cruise
Of all of the cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line is considered to be one of the most casual. Even though there are guidelines for carnival cruise dress codes, you need to abide by these during your stay. Still, these are easier to follow.
During the day, you can wear clothing appropriate to the activities you are partaking in. It can be shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits while you’re on board. In the evening, dinner in the dining room is mostly casual during the Carnival Cruise.
Depending on the length of your stay, you might have to pack one or two formal attire to follow the carnival cruise dining room dress code for a formal night. According to the Carnival Cruise Casual dress code, the cruise line expects passengers to wear clothes that aren’t ripped off or worn out.
Therefore, consider packing pants, capris, skirts, clean shirts, and comfortable sandals. Avoid wearing flip-flops as these are not considered appropriate enough for the cruise.
2: Celebrity Cruise
Celebrity cruises also allow the passengers to wear comfortable attire on the ship around the day. However, there are some strict rules for walking around the dining and restaurant areas.
Therefore, if you wear jeans and shorts during the daytime, avoid walking around the dining room. You are also not allowed to wear any see-through bathing suit cover-ups, tank tops, or flip-flops around the specialty restaurants.
Instead, consider dressing yourself appropriately in nice pants or jeans with a proper button-down shirt.
3: Cunard Cruise
If you’re into elegance and a more thrilling cruising experience, the Cunard cruise line is the perfect ride for you over the ocean. While it is acceptable to wear shorts and T-shirts during the port and sea days, you are also expected to look elegant for dinner.
At Cunard Cruise, you will find a number of specialty restaurants and occasions where you can dress appropriately. Therefore, it will be wise for you to check the website for more information about the theme for your voyage.
If you’re not interested in formal nights, there will be a number of venues on the ship where you can be casual. However, it is advised to avoid shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirts for it.
4: Disney Cruise
If you’re taking a Disney Cruise line, you will be less restricted to casual attire because it’s a family cruise line. On this cruise, you will also explore adult-only specialty restaurants where semi-formal and formal dress is appreciated.
Therefore, look for the best outfit to dress well for a memorable evening, as the evening mens cruise wear is advised to be appropriate and formal. Disney Cruise also expects passengers not to wear any bathing suits or tank tops around the dining areas. But they are open to almost anything on the cruise.
In addition to this, they also themed pirate night on the voyages for extra Disney fun. So, don’t forget to pack your best pirate outfit if you’re interested in partaking in these activities.
5: Holland America Cruise
Like all the other cruise lines, Holland America doesn’t also allow shorts in the dining rooms. The swimwear is also strictly prohibited for passengers around the specialty restaurant.
For non-formal evenings, pants or slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men. When it comes to formal Holland America cruise attire for women, it is appropriate to wear shirts or dresses in the dining area.
While you are cruising on the Holland America Cruise, you will find two formal nights on a 7-day cruise. If you plan to stay longer, you can have an additional formal night as well. Therefore, pack all your essentials and best suits according to the duration and formal nights you will be attending.
6: Royal Caribbean Cruise
The Royal Caribbean comes with no rules different from those of other ships. You can explore jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, and chic blouses during the daytime. Therefore, don’t forget to pack the best sun dresses for cruise adventure in the Royal Caribbean.
You will be surprised to know that shorts are also appropriate for breakfast and lunch dine-in. However, it is prohibited for dinner. So, consider packing some collared shirts and elegant dresses for formal nights.
For women, refined skirts paired with blouses or any sharp pantsuit are also suggested by the cruise line.
7: Norwegian Cruise
Just like the Carnival cruise line, the Norwegian cruise line is also known for its freestyle atmosphere. This is one of the most relaxed cruise lines when it comes to specific guidelines for cruise vacation outfits.
However, there are some dress codes that passengers are expected to abide by. As tank tops are prohibited by most cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise also prohibits wearing them along with flip-flops.
You can even buffet in swimwear and enjoy an outdoor restaurant, so ensure you wear a shirt or cover-up on it. To look well, you can also change your footwear before you walk inside.
What to Wear On a Cruise by Destination?
Other than packing and planning your outfits according to the cruise line, you need to keep the destinations in your head as well to look appropriate.
To help you pack according to the weather in different destinations. Read on to explore in detail:
1: Alaska
Alaska weather can be unpredictable most of the time. It can range from warm and sunny to rainy and chilly. While you are heading to Alaska, rain is almost inevitable. The port temperature can be freezing if you’re cruising around the glaciers.
The best way to prepare for an Alaskan Cruise is to pack a lot of layers for yourself. Ensure you carry a sweater or warm coat along with a raincoat.
For the rest, you can follow the general dress code of your cruise to stay relaxed and casual.
2: Antarctica
Just like Alaska, cruising to Antarctica also tends to be more casual. However, you need to keep yourself warm while embracing the thrills of exploring one of the most remote, pristine regions.
Layering is the ideal solution for you to stay warm during the port visit. You can style yourself by layering a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. After that, you can bring an insulation layer on it.
On top of this, you will need a waterproof and windproof jacket to shield yourself from the elements. It is a reminder from the experts to avoid cotton clothing as it will not help in retaining warmth when it gets wet.
3: Asia
During your voyage around the Asian destination, comfort and cultural sensitivity is key. Whether you are wandering through the bustling markets or exploring the temples, consider wearing breathable attire in a respectful way.
This way, you can blend in and have a better appreciation for the local customs. In addition to wearing casual cruise outfits, consider the warmth and humidity around Asian countries. Therefore, it is advised to wear a lightweight and breathable fabric that covers your shoulders and knees.
To better explore Asian culture and heritage, the experts suggest wearing slip-on shoes that are easy to take off. You can also pack cute cruise outfits to explore the Asian region, as they will go well with the backgrounds and architecture.
4: Australia
If you’ve chosen Australia as your destination, it generally occurs during November to March and the end of spring and mid-summer. Therefore, it is crucial for you to consider the climate and activities around the region you can engage in for fun.
To pack smartly for this destination, consider bringing light and breathable clothing such as shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, and cotton shirts. Also, consider packing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for the bright sunny days.
The Australian sun can be strong. Therefore, don’t forget to layer yourself with a full-coverage sunscreen for outdoor activities.
5: Europe
Europe’s weather can vary from region to region and season to season. Therefore, versatility in packing is the key. So, begin your journey of packing with a comfortable pair of walking shoes. For clothing, you need to rely on layering.
You can pack a mix of lightweight and breathable pieces for your cruise fun. Don’t forget to pack a versatile scarf or shawl to adapt your outfits. You can also look for unique cruise shirts that can help you look best during your voyage before taking off to Europe.
6: Middle East
The Middle East region is rich in history. If you’re traveling around it, the tradition and climate can be diverse and warm. Therefore, when you’re packing your wardrobe, you need to consider the cultural considerations to experience the region exceptionally.
While the climate varies, a combination of modest and comfortable clothing can help you style the best. For men and women, packing long pants, maxis, skirts, and dresses will be a good choice for local towns.
For women, it is more appreciated to carry a scarf or drape over their shoulders when visiting religious sites.
What to Wear On an Embarkation Day?
Whether you are embarking on a cruise directly from the airport or planning to take after the hotel stay, consider planning to wear something comfortable on your trip.
It is advised by the experts to carry your swimsuit in your carry-on. This way, you can use the pool while you wait for the luggage to be delivered to your stateroom safely.
As there are a number of factors that can impact the time of your luggage delivery. Therefore, you need to dress yourself appropriately so you can move around easily. Thus, don’t count yourself solely on it before you choose to eat dinner, and plan your attire smartly.
If you plan to appear at dinner in suitable attire, consider carrying a nice shirt and pants in your carry-on as well to save yourself from waiting for the luggage.
What to Wear On a Sea Day?
Sea days are usually casual and relaxed for passengers. To make the most out of a sea day when cruising, you can consider wearing items that are comfortable and appropriate for the activities that you can partake in on the ship.
So, if you are wondering about the boat cruise dress code for the sea day, experts advise you to bring the best swimsuit and a cover-up for it. For sports and the gym, you will need suitable clothes to manage sweating.
What to Wear On a Carnival Formal Night?
Almost every cruise has a formal night, casino, or dress-to-impress night for the guest. This encourages guests to wear the best ball gowns and tuxedos for the occasion. However, if you’re on the Cunard Line, there can be stricter guidelines for the dress code than other cruise lines.
But worry not. Here are some guidelines that will help pack the right dresses for cruise formal night as a woman, man, or child. Let’s dive into the details:
1: Women’s Attire Ideas
When it comes to formal nights on a cruise, the cruise outfits for ladies need to be more versatile and classy. There are many women who are often seen in cocktail attire or dresses similar to those that are appropriate for the church.
The footwear that typically goes well with the lady’s formal outfit on the cruise are heels, dress shoes, or sparkly sandals.
2: Men’s Attire Ideas
When it comes to cruise dinner outfits for men, some tend to wear a suit and tie on a formal night. For shoes to wear on a cruise, they consider a nice pair of formal leather shoes, usually black or brown.
Any military uniform you bring to wear will also be considered appropriate. However, don’t consider wearing a pair of pants, even the classy ones, on a formal night as it will not be regarded as appropriate.
3: Kids Attire Ideas
If you have little girls and boys on the cruise and want to take them on a formal night, girls can take advantage of the best princess outfit to doll up perfectly. However, boys can wear a suit if possible or consider a dress pant with button up shirt to follow cruise dinner outfits guidelines.
4 Wardrobe Packing Tips for Adventures Cruising
When packing for the cruise vacation outfits, not many people think carefully about it. This is one of the reasons why some people shop more during their cruising adventure.
However, smart packing and planning can save you from additional expenses and inconvenience during cruising. Let’s explore expert tips on wardrobe packing for a cruise.
1: Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is one of the best allies on a cruise that you can consider. To create one for yourself, consider packing similar or neutral colors that will allow you to mix and match your outfits. This way, you can create a number of several combinations.
Therefore, invest in a quality pair of jeans, a blazer, a sweater, and a patterned top to create a unique look.
2: Utilize Accessories
To style your capsule wardrobe, you can add versatility to it by taking help from the accessories. There are a number of things that can help you elevate your simple look, such as scarves, bags, jewelry, and watches.
Therefore, consider packing a nice pair of shoes, hats, and jewelry to style yourself chic and unique in your cruising advantage.
3: Bring a Layer
No matter what destination you might be traveling to, always carry a layer with you. Even if the destinations offer tropical climates, the ship can be chilly.
So, if you want to enjoy the most on the open deck, consider bringing a cardigan along with you.
4: Carry a Versatile Scarf
A colorful scarf can do wonders for your blank and boring outfit. Whether you’re planning to visit the Middle Eastern region or heading to Europe, a scarf is a must to be packed in your luggage.
It is one of the travel essentials that can help you cover your shoulders and head during the church visit and look more casual.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: What Outfit Can You Wear On The Embarkation Day?
When it’s your first day on the cruise, you need to wear a comfortable yet appropriate outfit. A swimsuit is advised for carry-on. This way, you can save yourself from waiting for hours until you get your luggage in the stateroom.
2: Do You Need To Bring Some Safety Products?
Yes, it is safe to consider bringing safety products on a cruise. This will help you to keep your money and other essentials secure. This way, you can wander around the stress without any worry of pickpocketing.
3: What Are The Best Outfits For Cruise Dinner?
Almost every cruise line recommends wearing a formal suit for men and a cocktail dress for women to enjoy the cruise dinner. It is strictly prohibited to look casual during the nighttime.
4: Why You Must Carry A Layer With You?
You cannot predict the climate around your destination. Also, the outside deck can be chill by the nighttime. Therefore, carrying a layer will be a wise decision.
Final Takeaways:
Cruising can be much more adventurous when you have nice outfits to wear. As there are a number of rules for day and night time dressing, by abiding by them, you can elevate your experience on the cruise. You can learn the rules for formal wear for cruise to pack accordingly and enjoy the most time on the ocean.
Therefore, this guide has addressed the common challenges of helping first-time cruisers pack smartly according to the dress code of different cruises.
